In people age 25 and under
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- "Knowing is beautiful" but when was the last time you were tested?
Panhandle AIDS Support Organization has released disturbing numbers about HIV rates in the Panhandle.
The percentages are shocking.
Between this year, and last year, the amount of HIV infections in young people under age 25, right here in the Panhandle has increased by 180%.
To put that in perspective PASO had five clients aged 25 and younger in March of 2008--in March of 2009 that number had more than doubled--now they have 14 who are in that age range.
PASO Executive Director Michael Timcisko says education could be key to solving the problem.
"I think we do need to do something more," Timcisko said, "I think we especially owe it to young people under the age of 25 to educate them to make wise decisions, and to make informed and educated decisions. "
Timcisko adds that national rates of HIV infection are rising as well as here in the Panhandle.
